Lan Yuan - Dunedin Chinese Garden is an authentic example of a late Ming early Ching Dynasty scholar’s garden and celebrates the Chinese influence on Otago's history and heritage.

Over a century old, this large garden surrounding historic Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula is at an altitude of 300 metres. The scenery is spectacular and though the garden is subjected to wind and low rainfall it contains a unique collection of plants seldom seen elsewhere. Some remnants from the original plantings 120 years ago - Cupressus macrocarpa, planted extensively for shelter and a cedar to one side of the castle - give an air of maturity. The plantings reflect the owner's interest in New Zealand plants and in their southern hemisphere relations.

The Botanic Garden is a garden of great variety with the Leith Stream on the southern boundary and Lindsay Creek running through the middle dividing the garden in two. From the formal, almost level area of the lower garden with its herbaceous borders, rose garden, camellia collection, herb garden and the beautifully planted Lister Garden, to the major collection of plants in the rock garden on the slopes leading to the upper garden, there are features for all to enjoy.

It is just 10 minutes' drive from Wellington's central business district to the five hectare Ōtari – Wilton’s plant collections and 90 hectares of bush where you may find some of the mature podocarp bush that once covered much of the city. This unique plant sanctuary has this country's foremost collection of native plants including many rare and endangered species.

The Giant’s House sculpture mosaic garden is colourful, exuberant, interactive, romantic, fun and full of surprises. It is set on a sheltered, north-facing, sunny hillside in a valley in Akaroa, 1.5 hours drive from Christchurch. The garden surrounds the large historic house owned by the first BNZ Bank Manager and built from totara and kauri. There are flat areas around the house and terraced gardens gently wind up the hillside. Contrasting historic with contemporary art and balancing gardens with sculptures, it is a unique creation.

Approached by a chestnut-lined drive which winds past old orchards and streams, Mincher, a large rural garden just north of Auckland’s CBD, is home to many varities of waterfowl and birdlife including Grey Teal, Aylesburys, Kingfishers, Shining Cuckoos, Tui and Kaka.

Flaxmere is a North Canterbury high country garden sitting beneath the main rib of Southern Alps. This large 7 acre garden is boldly designed to make the most of alpine views with strong axes and cross axes focussing on the surrounding mountain and pastoral environment. Heavy old bridge timbers and stone walls reflect a country atmosphere, and a feeling of peace & romance abides here, amidst dramatically changing seasons.

Broadfield Garden is about 3.5 hectares established 20 years. It aims for excellence in design, planting and maintenance. Originality is a priority. Many natives are used formally and informally as are NZ raised varieties of Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Camellias, Cherry Cornus, Maples, Peony Perennials, Daffodils, Lily, and Roses.

Greenhaugh Gardens surround a colonial homestead built in 1874. Mature trees give the two-hectare property its bones, and a summer house allows the garden versatility. Box-hedges curb the romantic exuberance of Austin and old roses, perennials and self-seeding annuals whilst a central French fountain adds a soundscape of natural music. A pergola, clad with wisteria, rambling roses and clematis leads through a tapestry of bearded iris and from there the garden visitor is naturally led to the ‘creek bed’ and Mediterranean gardens beyond. There is a hint of an African theme in parts - a nod to the owner’s love of travel, and the garden holds a balance of structure and creativity.

Tūpare is a premier landscaped garden with a stunning Chapman-Taylor designed house in the Arts & Crafts style.

Rather than focusing on plant collections, at Hamilton Gardens the emphasis is on different types of garden design. Traditional botanic gardens concentrate on plant collections, conservation, research and education, while Hamilton Gardens has the unique concept of showcasing the cultural meaning and context of gardens over the past 4,000 years.

Over the last 33 years Doreen and Mike have created a 3 acre garden from a blank canvas. This expansive and tranquil garden is set on their small farm in the Amuri Basin.

Our relaxed country garden started thirty years ago. In the early days I had very little gardening experience and no vision for the site, but an interest in plants was quickly developing. Over the years, with much trial and error, a garden has emerged which we and our visitors do enjoy. Much thought has gone into the placement of colour, the short and long distance views, and the filtering of light which is created by judicious pruning.

Set on 1 hectare of land, you walk through the picket gate into the garden of Coldstream with its mature oaks, and silver birch creating height and breadth within the canopy, and large garden beds of established roses, camellias, and rhododendrons. The large pond, naturally filtered by Coldstream creek provides a number of magical pathways full of restful spots to take in the grandeur of the property.

Olveston is an authentic and original historic home depicting the life of a wealthy merchant family in the early part of the twentieth century.

The garden commenced in 1990 but is maturing rapidly due to the mild, almost frost-free climate. The Higgies have specialized in exotic flora to produce a landscape like no other in New Zealand.

Named to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, the development of the Esplanade began in 1897 although the land was granted to the borough two decades before that time. Thus there are a significant number of registered trees in the garden. The Peter Black conservatory houses a wide range of tropical and subtropical plants where orchids feature as the single largest collection. Adjacent is a lathe house where cool climate exotics and native plants enjoy the overhead protection. A visitor Education Centre is located here also.

‘Tauhara’ is a country garden of approximately 1½ hectares at the foot of Lake Taupo’s Mount Tauhara; it has been developed over the past 25 years. Older trees make a back drop to the planting on the property where from mid October flowering shrubs and bulbs are at their best; later giant scented lilies, roses and early perennials display in the semi-formal areas near the house.

One of the oldest botanic gardens in New Zealand, this central city garden was established in 1868. The major conifer species which are a feature were planted then as part of a programme to import plant species and assess their economic potential to the new colony. The very large specimens of Pinus radiata that dominate the landscape were grown from the first seed of that species to be imported from California.

Cornwall Park is home to beautiful areas for picnics and relaxation, grand specimen trees, stunning flower beds, grand avenues and sweeping vistas. The Park’s donor, Sir John Logan Campbell, is buried on the summit of a volcanic cone in the centre of the park. The Maori name for the hill is Maungakiekie – mountain of the kiekie (Freycinetia banksii) that grows as an epiphytic climber or vine.